Just seven days ago, Philip Rivers was anticipating a possible enshrinement into the Hall of Fame. However, due to several injuries among the Indianapolis Colts’ signal-callers, Rivers, having been retired from professional football for half a decade, is now making an unexpected comeback to the National Football League.
Moreover, his return isn’t merely for a reserve role. Rivers is transitioning directly from retirement to the primary quarterback position as the Colts contend for a postseason berth. Initially placed on the Colts’ practice squad, Rivers was elevated to the active 53-player roster on Saturday, thereby clearing his path for the 44-year-old to commence play on Sunday.
Although the NFL has seen older quarterbacks, none of this age have experienced such a significant gap between professional starts, according to Curt Menefee from “FOX NFL Sunday.”
Coincidentally, one of the quarterbacks who previously played NFL games at an age greater than Rivers’ current age made an appearance in the “FOX NFL Sunday” studio. This individual was Tom Brady, who recounted an amusing anecdote to illustrate how the pace of play might be an unexpected challenge for Rivers upon his comeback.
Terry Bradshaw concurred with this perspective, but pointed out that Rivers might benefit from operating exclusively from the shotgun formation throughout the game. This setup would allow him to be ready instantly, execute rapid throws, and leverage his intellect against zone coverages. Howie Long playfully suggested the entire situation might be an insurance scheme, given that professional football players forfeit their insurance coverage five years post-retirement.
Considering these conditions, it seems the probabilities are unfavorable for Rivers. Upon being contacted for a tryout with the Colts, the seasoned NFL veteran confessed he no longer possessed turf-specific footwear. As reported by Jay Glazer, he resorted to retrieving a pair from a trophy display at his residence.
Therefore, what precisely motivated Rivers to come back following a half-decade hiatus? Primarily, he holds a deep affection for the sport and eagerly embraced another opportunity to participate. However, Rivers, who ventured into coaching after his NFL tenure, also conveyed to Glazer that it served as a chance to impart to his children the importance of living without fear or hesitation.
It remains uncertain; perhaps Rivers will perform in a way that confounds nearly all skeptics? Notwithstanding the challenges, at least one enshrined football legend is confident in Rivers’ potential for success after an extended absence. Kurt Warner of NFL Network made a confident forecast of 225 aerial yards and a pair of touchdowns from Rivers during the fifteenth week of play.
Rivers’ established track record is beyond question. Over his preceding seventeen years in the National Football League, Rivers cultivated a professional journey deserving of the Hall of Fame. Upon his departure from the sport after the 2020 season, his career statistics included a 64.9% pass completion rate, 421 scoring passes, and 209 interceptions. Even in his concluding NFL season, he still achieved respectable figures, delivering 24 touchdown passes versus 11 interceptions, and guiding the Colts into the postseason.
The extent to which any of that prior capability persists within Rivers after half a decade away will become apparent in Week 15. Nobody, not even the sport’s most astute commentators, can precisely foretell the outcome.
Irrespective of the events of Week 15, Rivers’ reappearance is the kind of narrative usually confined to cinematic productions. The Colts are ardently anticipating a fairytale conclusion.
